FIND MY BOOKS

Thursday, December 24, 2009

I can't believe I'm so late posting. But it's been a hectic month. As I write this, my daughter is flying in to spend Christmas with me. I find myself thinking about traditions and how they reflect our priorities.

What are your traditions? Or, if you're a writer, what are the traditions your characters have for major holidays? Do they change over time and if so how?

I know that for me, Christmas traditions changed after my divorce. Now I have an artificial tree instead of a real one and it goes up beginning of December instead of 10 days or so before Christmas. I have a few ornaments from when I was married but most are new.

Now that I have my dog, presents go under the tree right before we're ready to open them because otherwise she's likely to decide they must be for her.

I've gone from some holidays that used to be big family affairs to quiet times for just me. Others are now more than they were before. As my life has changed, so have some of my traditions.

With our characters, their traditions help to define them too. What matters most to them? Lots of presents? Time with family--or do they not have family to be with? Is their tradition to go and volunteer somewhere or do they celebrate at home? Do they always go to movies on Christmas day? Or is it important to them to play sports outdoors?

How do two people coming together in a relationship adapt so that what matters most for each in terms of tradition is honored but they also forge some new ones of their own?

For a writer like me, it's impossible not to ponder these things.

Whatever your traditions are, I hope they bring you some joy and comfort at this holiday season.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Today I'm more conscious than ever of how lucky I am for all the wonderful people in my life--both those who are in my life now and those who were part of it at other times. I'm also grateful for all the dogs that have been part of my life--now and in the past.

I'm thankful for the glorious weather here. I find myself remembering other Thanksgivings and driving places in snow and ice or pouring rain.

I'm thankful that some of my friends are finding their ways out of crises of one kind or another and that others are enjoying remarkable good fortune.

I'm grateful for all those who take my online writing classes and for the communities of writers to which I belong.

I'm grateful for all the little blessings every day--even when there are also challenges.

I hope that each of you reading this have wonderful blessings in your lives, too. Happy Thanksgiving!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Life happens. A couple I know, friends, found that out last week. He was laid off with only 3 weeks severance pay after more than a decade with his company. Like many people, they lived paycheck to paycheck. They had to cash out their 401k earlier this year to pay off bills. They have medical conditions that will make it difficult if not impossible to get private medical insurance. And she doesn't have a job either.

Life happens. In an instant everything can change. As a writer, I know that it is how people respond to what happens that matters most.

My friends are scrambling to find out options. What services might they be eligible for? What job opportunities can he apply for? Who do they know who might have information that might be useful. They are cutting expenses, pulling together, reaching out for support and finding ways to laugh even when they most want to cry.

Other people might have reacted very differently. As human beings, it's good to remember that. If we're writers, then it's good to remember that it's not just what happens to our characters that matters but rather how they choose to respond to those events. Every person/character will be a little different. It is those differences that are interesting and what we and readers want to know about. Will the characters surprise us? Teach us something new--a way of responding that we wouldn't have thought of ourselves? Or is it an object lesson from which we learn how not to be?

Life happens. We get to choose how we--and our characters!--deal with it.

Wednesday, November 04, 2009

It doesn't feel like November. In part, that's because I grew up in the northeast and by November it was COLD. It's much warmer here. Still, usually by Halloween it feels like fall to me. Not sure why this year is so different.

Speaking of Halloween, I love that holiday! Maybe because I always seemed to be hungry as a kid and the one time of year I wasn't was when I could gorge on the calories in candy after Halloween. Which means that every year I'm happy to give out candy to kids who come to my door. (I ran out after 70 kids this year!) When I cringe at the cost of the candy I buy, I remind myself it really isn't that much and I'll never know which kids who seem to come from middle class families might be going hungry at home. Plus I love seeing the costumes.

Meanwhile, I'll happily enjoy the sunshine and warmth and shudder every time I see snowstorms elsewhere on the news....

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Pflugerville Library may be small but boy are they supporting NaNoWriMo in a big way! Just look at some of the events coming up. Becca Sexton writes:

"October 21st at 7pm, we're having a novel planning session. Local NaNo vets will talk about the pros and cons of planning your novel before the November 1st start date and share their tips and tricks for surviving NaNoWriMo. Then, on Sunday, November 1st, we're having an "all-day" kick-off event at the library (from 1--6). There will be refreshments, goodie bags, writing games, and plenty of time to get those novels started! We're having write-ins on November 12, 19, and 24 from 6--8pm and a Wrap Party on December 1st from 6--8 pm. At the Wrap Party, we'll do a raffle drawing, share excerpts from our novels, and award a prize to NaNo "winners."

We're also having an author talk on November 3 at 6:30. Daniel and Dina Nayeria, authors of the YA supernatural novel Another Faust will be on hand to talk about their book and the writing process."

Sunday, October 11, 2009

With holidays the way they are, this will be the last Book in a Week class it's practical for me to offer in 2009. The good thing is that it will sort of coincide with NaNoWriMo.

This isn't your typical writing class. I'm told I ask questions people have never had asked before and that it helps them see writing in a whole new way. Some of the projects people have worked on in my classes are already under contract.

The funny thing is, I've also had people let me know it changed how they see life. They are interacting with others differently because so many of the questions that are about writing also apply to how we see life and the people around us.

My goal with my classes is always to help people discover who they are as writers and how they write best and what works for their books. Running through all of it are ideas that will increase the odds that an editor and/or agent will be interested in their work.

So....if any of that sounds appealing to you or you know someone who might think so here is the information:

Book in a Week $75 ($40 if you have taken it before)

Dates: October 19, 2009 to November 20, 2009

Deadline to sign up: October 16, 2009Class size is limited.

Note: All lessons and class discussion are by email so they can be read and responded to at whatever time of day is most convenient for YOU.

Class Description:

Have you started a manuscript and not finished it? Does life or self-doubt seem to get in the way? Do you ever feel as if you're banging your head against the wall trying to write a book someone will want to buy? Would you like help brainstorming elements of your story? Explore the possibilities of who you can be as a writer? Would you like to write better, faster and more easily than you ever have before?

Book in a Week is a process that will help you get organized, learn techniques that make YOUR writing easier, faster, better and more FUN! Learn who YOU are as a writer and what works best for YOU. Discover the elements that make a compelling story. Write that book you've been wanting to write—and do it faster than you ever thought possible!

This class will take you through every step of the writing process—from beginning to brainstorm all the way through sending material out to be published. And it will help you discover who YOU are as a writer.

Weeks 1-3:

Preparing to write the first draft of a book in one week

Creating compelling characters or how to write about real people in nonfiction

Planning plot elements or structure in a nonfiction book

Significance of names

Effective paragraph and sentence structure

Using imagery and sensory detail to add impact

Writing effective dialogue

Creating a productive writing environment

Enlisting the support of those around you

Mentally gearing yourself up to write faster (and better) than you thought you could

This is about discovering how writing fits into YOUR life. You can't do it wrong. You won't fail. No matter what happens you will discover more about yourself as a writer than you thought possible during that ONE WEEK of writing!

Week 5:

Evaluating the writing experience itself

Making revisions

Sending out material

Payment for the class may be made by check or by Paypal. To sign up send an email to April with the title of the class you wish to take in the header and in the body of the email please put: your name and whether you prefer to pay by check or Paypal. Also, please let me know if you have taken the class before. Note: If cost is an issue, please let me know and on a case by case basis we may be able to work something out. Note: If you do not get a response back from me, please try emailing me at April2. Unfortunately email does sometimes simply disappear into cyberspace.

Tuesday, October 06, 2009

A native American shaman stands on the shore of an ocean some five hundred years ago. All his life he's lived in the high desert and never seen anything like this. He might have heard about big bodies of water but until this moment when he stands there seeing the ocean, it was not something he could have comprehended.

That was an image I had when I was doing a visualization exercise and it made me think and wonder about the oceans we've never seen—and can't comprehend unless and until we do.

As a writer, I'm used to thinking I can imagine anything. But my imagination tends to rely on photos. When I've relied solely on descriptions and then seen a place or object I've read about, so often it turns out to be very different. Even so, those descriptions expand my horizons.

I value expanded horizons, you see. I value discovering the oceans I've never seen and having my comprehension of what's possible expand. I hope that to some degree at least, it's something I do for readers and when I teach my online writing classes—bringing them oceans they've never seen before. It's why I try to have the unexpected in my books and ask the questions no one else asks in my class lessons.

I look forward always to discovering new oceans I've never seen. How about you?

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

Book in a Week ClassCost: $75 ($40 if you have taken it before)Dates: September 21, 2009 to October 23, 2009Deadline to sign up: September 19, 2009Class size is limited!

Note: All lessons and class discussion are by email so they can be read and responded to at whatever time of day is most convenient for YOU.

Class Description:Have you started a manuscript and not finished it? Does life or self-doubt seem to get in the way? Do you ever feel as if you're banging your head against the wall trying to write a book someone will want to buy? Would you like help brainstorming elements of your story? Explore the possibilities of who you can be as a writer? Would you like to write better, faster and more easily than you ever have before?

Book in a Week is a process that will help you get organized, learn techniques that make YOUR writing easier, faster, better and more FUN! Learn who YOU are as a writer and what works best for YOU. Discover the elements that make a compelling story. Write that book you've been wanting to write—and do it faster than you ever thought possible!

This class will take you through every step of the writing process—from beginning to brainstorm all the way through sending material out to be published. And it will help you discover who YOU are as a writer.

Weeks 1-3:Preparing to write the first draft of a book in one weekCreating compelling characters or how to write about real people in nonfictionPlanning plot elements or structure in a nonfiction bookSignificance of namesEffective paragraph and sentence structureUsing imagery and sensory detail to add impactWriting effective dialogueCreating a productive writing environmentEnlisting the support of those around youMentally gearing yourself up to write faster (and better) than you thought you could

Week 4: Intensive Writing Week (October 10, 2009 through October 18, 2009)This is about discovering how writing fits into YOUR life. You can't do it wrong. You won't fail. No matter what happens you will discover more about yourself as a writer than you thought possible during that ONE WEEK of writing!Week 5:Evaluating the writing experience itselfMaking revisionsSending out material

Bio: April Kihlstrom is an award winning author of 31 published romance novels. She offers coaching to fellow writers as well as classes and workshops on writing and has spoken at many conferences including: the Romance Writers of America national conference (romance) and the East of Eden conference (non-romance).

Testimonials from students who have taken the Book in a Week class:

“I have taken several online classes, none of them writing related. Still, none of them have been as well planned, documented and executed as BIAW.”

“Wow...Let me begin by saying Thank you Thank you Thank you! What an amazing process and generous amount of information given in a relatively short amount of time!”

“This course was certainly value for the money. A price can't be placed on the invaluable information and experience you imparted during this course.”

“I'm a better writer. I'm a faster writer. I'm a more confident writer.”

Payment for the class may be made by check or by Paypal. To sign up send an email to aprilkihlstrom@yahoo.com with the title of the class you wish to take in the header and in the body of the email please put: your name and whether you prefer to pay by check or Paypal. Also, please let me know if you have taken the class before.

Note: If cost is an issue, please let me know and on a case by case basis we may be able to work something out.

Tuesday, September 01, 2009

I was going to start this class next week but then someone reminded me that September 7 is labor day so....

Class: Revisions From the Top DownDates: Monday September 14, 2009 to September 25, 2009(Note: It is strongly recommended that students reread their manuscripts the weekend prior to class.)Cost: $30 ($20 if you have taken an online Revisions class with me before)Deadline to sign up: September 11, 2009Format: all lessons and responses by email on a private class email loop

Have you been to a conference? Had a manuscript requested by an agent or editor? Are you just stuck on what to do next to make your novel work? Revisions From the Top Down is the fastest and most effective way I know to revise a manuscript. It's a process that will save you time and give you a new way to look at what you've written.

This revamped/revised two week online class will take you through the process of honing your manuscript to grab an agent or editor's attention and never let go! A critique (if you choose) of your first page is included.

To sign up send an email to aprilkihlstrom@yahoo.com with the title of the class you wish to take in the header and in the body of the email please put: your name and whether you prefer to pay by check or Paypal. Also, please let me know if you have taken the class before.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

I loved seeing my son at his group home and seeing old friends. I really loved giving my all day Book in a Week workshop! There were great questions and I had new material to share so it was a chance to play in a new way with possibilities.

On the way home (and flying to New Jersey) I brainstormed story ideas. The most promising one has already begun to morph significantly into a very different type of book than I first thought. But that's part of the fun of being a writer--to discover unexpected directions our stories might take.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

I'm off to New Jersey this week. Ironically my daughter has to be here in Austin while I'm gone. But it's good to see her and I can't wait to see my NJRW friends and give my all day workshop on Book in a Week.

Last night my daughter and I went to the Alamo Drafthouse and saw Julie & Julia. It was wonderful! I also found myself thinking again that it's about how one feels watching the movie--just as it's about how one feels reading a book. In this case, there was a sense of possibilities, laughter, determination, hope and love. In other words, it was a celebration of my favorite emotions and a double bonus to be able to share the experience with my daughter.

I need to pack. I need to make sure everything fits. I need to enjoy the time I have with my daughter before I leave.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

When technology works, I love it. When it doesn't I want to cuss like crazy. Like this week when I discovered that at least one person sent me email last week asking to sign up for an online class and I never got it!

In her case, she emailed me again (wise woman!). I was able to add her to the class and bring her up to speed without much trouble. But it left me worrying who else might have had email to me (or mine to them) end up disappearing into a black hole in cyberspace.

Then there was the time my cell phone fell apart. Literally. They couldn't even retrieve any information from the simm(?) card inside.

Which, as a writer, got me thinking......

What if? What if a hero/heroine lose contact because an email gets lost in cyberspace?

What if a critical piece of information gets lost when a cell phone with the video gets destroyed?

What if a protagonist relies on technology and that technology (whatever it might be) fails?

Lots and lots of lovely possibilities!

Hmmm, so maybe even when technology doesn't work, there's a silver lining--at least if one is a writer looking for plot!

-------PS Just added a link to this post on Facebook and it pulled up a jpeg photo from my blog post on the Sacred Shelf bookstore! Clearly the technology gremlins are out to get me this week......

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Such a gap and now 2 posts from me in just a few days. What can I say? Life happens!

I know it's short notice but I have some time constraints and I promised some people I would offer these classes so.....

If you're getting ready to write you might be interested in my Brainstorming class:

Class: Brainstorming Your Next BookDates: Monday July 27, 2009 to August 7, 2009Cost: $30Format: all lessons and responses by email on a private class email loopNote: Class size limited to allow for mutual brainstorming (encouraged but not required).

Are you ready to start a new project? Would you love to have a small group help you brainstorm? Would you just like some questions that will help you get started and think about things in a new way?

Have you heard about my Book in a Week classes (or taken one) but don't want to commit to 5 weeks? Would you like to look at the brainstorming ideas from that class in a whole new way and at a less intense pace?

Brainstorming Your Next Novel is a two week online class designed to help you get a jump start on your next book. It's designed to use the fluid way our brains naturally work. The focus will be on how you can create a book that satisfies both your creative soul and delights agents, editors and readers.

If you have a completed manuscript that you're ready to revise:

Class: Revisions From the Top DownDates: Friday July 24, 2009 to August 7, 2009Cost: $30 ($20 if you have taken an online Revisions class with me before)Format: all lessons and responses by email on a private class email loop

Have you been to a conference? Had a manuscript requested by an agent or editor? Are you just stuck on what to do next to make your novel work?

Revisions From the Top Down is the fastest and most effective way I know to revise a manuscript. It's a process that will save you time and give you a new way to look at what you've written.

This revamped/revised two week online class will take you through the process of honing your manuscript to grab an agent or editor's attention and never let go! A critique (if you choose) of your first page is included. (Note: Between Friday July 24 and Monday July 27 you will be asked to read through your manuscript WITHOUT making any changes.)

To sign up for either class, send an email to aprilkihlstrom@ yahoo.com with the title of the class you wish to take in the header and in the body of the email please put: your name and whether you prefer to pay by check or Paypal. Note: If you are signing up for the Revisions class and have taken it before please let me know.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

I am sooooo far behind posting to my blog! I've begun volunteering in the Sacred Shelf bookstore at the Unity Center of Austin and there's so much to learn. Note the word volunteer. Given all the fabulous stuff they carry, this may end up being a very expensive volunteer gig! I mean: Goddess drums,

jewelry, shawls and purses,

aroma therapy, candles and cards,

cds and all sorts of metaphysical books,

and did I mention jewelry?

It's a very cool place to hang out.

And just to keep this focused on writing....imagine all the stories I can make up in my head as I look around at all these fascinating things....

Thursday, June 25, 2009

I finally got to see the new Star Trek movie yesterday and I loved it. I didn't want to leave the theater! I'd like to talk a little about it from a writer's perspective.

One of the things I loved about it was the feeling of hope and daring bravado. I wanted to be part of that grand adventure that Enterprise was going on. The feeling was so powerful that I've been thinking about the movie ever since and why it worked, plus what it tells me, as a writer, about sequels.

Hope. It's one of the most powerful emotions we can have and perhaps one of the strongest antidotes to fear. There's hope in this movie. Hope that against all odds, overwhelming evil power can be defeated. As human beings we want and need to believe that. So....as writers, hope is something very powerful to include as part of our books.

Daring. Life can be scary at times—and for many people it is right now. The reaction may be to cling to what we know, what feels safe and yet rarely is that the safest strategy. Often the safest thing we can do is let ourselves be vulnerable and take risks. Not foolish risks but risks like the characters take in Star Trek—risks for a greater goal, a greater good, because it matters and because the outcome is so important. In our books, the risks our characters learn to take need to matter, too, and if we do it well can inspire readers to take good risks in their own lives.

Connection. On a very deep and profound level we all need to feel connected to others. The movie lets us see characters we've loved in the past. This is one reason series books are often so popular with readers—the chance to see beloved characters again and again.

Now about sequels and prequels. How often does a sequel/prequel work—especially if it's written by someone other than the original author? This does. Why? Because the twist was added that now things have changed. The characters can be somewhat different because different events are shaping them. At the same time, the have the same essential personalities they did before—though in some cases (okay Spock) we get a different perspective on those personalities. Both the familiar and the new. So there's a reason to keep watching, to want more Star Trek movies to see with this new crew.

Sure I have quibbles. What Trekkie or science oriented person doesn't? But ultimately what I care most about is how the movie made me FEEL. And that's an important lesson for any of us who are writers. What readers will ultimately care about most is how we make them feel.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Life is always changing. And if we're writers that's a good thing because stories are about changes. A story begins when something changes in the lives of our major characters.

My daughter moved in briefly with me and has now moved out again. (That's part of why I haven't had a chance to post in a while.) It was great to have her here and good to know she's moving on to the next step. Sophy, my dog, is moping, of course, and spending a lot of time with her stuffed squeaky bear to cope.

Change is opportunity as well as challenge. It's growth as well as stress. It's a chance to move in new directions. That's true in life and it's true in our writing. If you're a writer and stuck in your story, it can be very useful to ask how you want or need your character to grow and what change would push them in the right direction. How will they resist the change or will they go with it willingly? One of the joys of being a writer is that we get to play with all the possibilities!

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Note: In a previous post I wrote why I believe Book in a Week is so powerful. To see that post click here.

Book in a Week $75 ($40 if you have taken it before)Dates: June 1, 2009 to July 3, 2009Deadline to sign up: May 29, 2009Class size is limited!

Note: All lessons and class discussion are by email so they can be read and responded to at whatever time of day is most convenient for YOU.

Class Description:

Have you started a manuscript and not finished it? Does life or self-doubt seem to get in the way? Do you ever feel as if you're banging your head against the wall trying to write a book someone will want to buy? Would you like help brainstorming elements of your story? Explore the possibilities of who you can be as a writer? Would you like to write better, faster and more easily than you ever have before?

Book in a Week is a process that will help you get organized, learn techniques that make YOUR writing easier, faster, better and more FUN! Learn who YOU are as a writer and what works best for YOU. Discover the elements that make a compelling story. Write that book you've been wanting to write—and do it faster than you ever thought possible!

This class will take you through every step of the writing process—from beginning to brainstorm all the way through sending material out to be published. And it will help you discover who YOU are as a writer.

Weeks 1-3:Preparing to write the first draft of a book in one weekCreating compelling characters or how to write about real people in nonfictionPlanning plot elements or structure in a nonfiction bookSignificance of namesEffective paragraph and sentence structureUsing imagery and sensory detail to add impactWriting effective dialogueCreating a productive writing environmentEnlisting the support of those around youMentally gearing yourself up to write faster (and better) than you thought you could

Week 4:Intensive Writing Week (June 20, 2009 through June 28, 2009)(This is about discovering how writing fits into YOUR life. You can't do it wrong. You won't fail. No matter what happens you will discover more about yourself as a writer than you thought possible during that ONE WEEK of writing!)

Week 5:Evaluating the writing experience itselfMaking revisionsPublishing world info and sending out material

Bio: April Kihlstrom is an award winning author of 31 published romance novels. She offers coaching to fellow writers as well as classes and workshops on writing and has spoken at many conferences including: the Romance Writers of America national conference (romance) and the East of Eden conference (non-romance).

Testimonials from students who have taken the Book in a Week class:

“I have taken several online classes, none of them writing related. Still, none of them have been as well planned, documented and executed as BIAW.”

“Wow...Let me begin by saying Thank you Thank you Thank you! What an amazing process and generous amount of information given in a relatively short amount of time!”

“This course was certainly value for the money. A price can't be placed on the invaluable information and experience you imparted during this course.”

“I'm a better writer. I'm a faster writer. I'm a more confident writer.”

Payment for the class may be made by check or by Paypal. To sign up send an email to aprilkihlstrom@yahoo.com with Book in a Week class in the header and in the body of the email please put: your name and whether you prefer to pay by check or Paypal. Also, please let me know if you have taken the class before.

Note: If cost is an issue, please let me know and on a case by case basis we may be able to work something out.

Permission granted to forward to anyone who may be interested in taking this class.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Grief is a funny thing. It hits people in different ways. For me, part of it is that I don't much feel like putting up blog posts or things like that—it just doesn't seem important to do so.

I lost a friend a few weeks ago. One of the sweetest, kindest, most spiritual people I've known. It wasn't as if we were best buddies or that I saw this friend often but...his sudden death still leaves a profound gap and it hurts that I didn't have a chance to say good-bye. And it resonates with all the other losses I've had in my life.

And I haven't felt much like posting to my blogs.

But...I'm also a writer and it is part of who I am to think as a writer. I find myself thinking about how different people handle grief in different ways. I remember how when it was my parents, I felt cold all the time. I note that this time, in this case, that isn't happening but odd moments bring the person to mind. I find myself noting, too, how others have and continue to react to this person's death—what an impact one life can have.

It is the individuality of the responses—as well as what they all have in common—that strikes me as a writer. If I were to put the death of a character in a novel, I know that each person in the book who reacted, would react in unique ways. Part of our job, if we are writers, is to illuminate the human condition and explore possibilities and in doing so perhaps give readers permission to be who they are in how they react to life and death.

So, my apologies for such a long gap between posts. Hug those people who are important to you and make sure you tell them so. Notice, if you are a writer, the wonderfully diverse ways the people you know react to life and death and try to show that diversity in what you write.

Wishing all of you the best,April

PS On an organizational note, I've been asked when my next Book in a Week class will start and I'm tentatively thinking the last week of May or the first week of June.

Tuesday, April 07, 2009

I understand the confusion. I was dragged into my first Book in a Week (BIAW) kicking and screaming swearing I couldn't do it and the idea was crazy! Now I believe in the concept with all my heart—even for people who never want to actually write the first draft of a book in one week.

Why? Because it's a gift we can give ourselves as writers.

For one week, we tell ourselves and those around us that we ARE writers and WRITING MATTERS!

For one week, we ask for support in making writing a priority in our lives. (As a wife and mother, even with contracts in hand, I often felt everyone and everything else should come first.)

For one week, we let ourselves write with total freedom from worrying about “the rules.”

For one week, we dedicate ourselves to writing with joy.

For one week, we write what we want to write, what's closest to our hearts.

For one week we trust our muse, our subconscious, the Divine working through us—however you want to look at it, we trust what we write. We go with the flow, we DO NOT REWRITE! We trust that whatever we are writing is what we need to write in that moment.

In one week we know whether or not we love this project.

In one week we know what it is we need to find out to finish writing this book.

In one week we know whether or not it's likely to work out.

For one week, we are WRITERS.

It's only one week, so we can take chances and write those things we were told we couldn't do.

It's only one week, so we can try new things and PLAY.

It's only one week, so we can risk trusting ourselves because after all, how many times have we wasted more than one week not writing because we were so afraid we would get it wrong?

It's only one week, so if it doesn't work, we can throw it out and take another week and try again.

It's one week of being who we are at our truest depth.

If we are writers, I truly believe that in writing we tap into something that will also let us cope with any and all of the non-writing challenges in our lives as well. I can't explain it, but I have seen the truth of this over and over and over again.

When we write this way, writing faster than ever, trusting ourselves, we can then step back and look at the experience and see what and when and where and how we wrote best. We begin to know what works for US—not anyone else, but what is right for US. We begin to see our true voice as well as the tropes we are drawn to most. We can begin to see what is natural to OUR first draft. We can begin to understand that a first draft only has to be a first draft—nothing else—just a first draft.

You may never want to try to write that fast again but you will have gained priceless insight into yourself as a writer and your process and what you write.

This is why I teach Book in a Week classes. This is why I believe so whole-heartedly in the process.

People who have tried this have gone on to write award winning books. Some were under contract within a short period of time after taking the class. There is power in writing from the heart and writing true to who you are. Your most natural voice emerges. You are more likely to write that unique story that tugs at the heart—because you are being true to your muse. And you are most likely to see clearly the areas in which you may want to learn more about how to write what you want to write.

If any of this sounds good to you, my next online Book in a Week class starts Monday, April 13. You can email me at aprilkihlstrom@yahoo.com to sign up. Let me know if you've taken the class before. The class runs 5 weeks with 3 weeks of prep work, one intensive writing week, then a week to evaluate the experience, talk a bit about revisions and sending out manuscripts, etc. All lessons are handled by email so you can read them at any time of day (or night!) that works for YOU. Cost is $75 for first time students, $40 if you've taken it before. Note: If cost is an issue, please let me know and on a case by case basis we may be able to work something out.

What I love about TEACHING this class is that I get to share the things it took me years to learn and help you write better faster. I share how to brainstorm your book and the critical elements your book must have. I share with you the things I've learned over my 30 years of being a published author that I've never seen elsewhere. There's a reason even published authors have taken my class. I hope you will give me a chance to help YOU.

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Austin RWA has a tradition I really like. The chapter holds a new member tea where new members can meet each other and board members and published authors in a relaxed setting. We get to laugh together, introduce ourselves and new members can ask questions—about the chapter and/or about how the publishing world works.

Writing is a solitary occupation. And we writers often see the world a little differently than everyone else does. It helps to have a support group of fellow writers who understand about the moments our characters start arguing with us and the moments when we doubt our own skills as writers. It's great to have people who can look at our work and tell us what's good as well as what we can improve and who can celebrate our achievements with us.

We all long—writers or not—for that sense of connection with others. Austin RWA has found a great way to help us achieve that.

Friday, March 20, 2009

I keep my cell phones forever—until they die. This week my flip phone literally fell apart. So I went shopping for a new one. I was pleased to discover I could get one free that for now uses my current plan with my wireless company but will let me upgrade to all sorts of nifty features later—IF I choose. But I don't have to.

It made me think about how different people approach life. Some want the latest stuff—whether they can afford it or not. Some always choose the cheapest option—even if they could afford better and from an objective point of view they would be better off doing so. Most of us are somewhere in the middle, trying to find a balance in between most and least expensive based on what matters to us.

As a writer, of course, and because I'm teaching an online course on creating characters starting this Monday, I immediately started picturing different characters going into a cell phone store and the different phones they would choose.

It's a useful exercise for any writer about any kind of purchase. If your character went into a store to buy anything—food, clothes, cell phone, toy, etc.--what kind would they choose and why? To take it a step further, one could ask: What would the people around them (friends, family and/or co-workers) think and say about that purchase?

One of the great things about being a writer is getting to play games like this!

Thursday, March 12, 2009

I've mentioned my dog Sophy before. She's pretty smart. I knew that but this week she's taken things to a new level.

Sophy has tried a number of things to get my attention when I'm working. When she realized that sitting there looking cute wasn't enough, she tried pawing my foot. When I shrieked but went back to ignoring her she tried barking. When that didn't work, she tried climbing in my lap and since she's a fairly large dog that's quite a trick!

But this week Sophy discovered something new. Sometimes when I need to unwind I use my Wii. Naturally, Sophy disapproves since she thinks if I'm not working I should be paying attention to her!

She tried helping me with Wii Fit and seemed very surprised that I didn't appreciate her help so now she sort of grumbles but just watches. Mostly. She did, however, come up with a very effective method of stopping me from playing other Wii games. She climbs on my lap and starts kissing me! I start laughing so much that I put down the controller and pet her because who can be mad at someone who is being so affectionate?

Then I was thinking about how rarely we humans are as smart as Sophy. When one thing doesn't work with a fellow human we care about, how often do we keep trying new things and how often do we keep trying the same thing--maybe more forcefully? Above all, if we want someone to pay more attention to us, how often do we get angry and vehemently say so versus how often do we become more loving--as Sophy has?

Wednesday, March 04, 2009

I've been think a lot about challenges this week. In part it's because of challenges facing friends and because of what we see on the news. It's also in part because I'm working out my class lessons for my Perfect Pitch workshop (and pitching to editors and agents can certainly be stressful), and because I'm looking at story structure in my Book in a Week class.

What I keep coming back to is the realization that the stronger we feel, the more sure of our self-worth (or the quality of our writing), the easier it is to face challenges head on.

This is true for our characters, too, if we're writers. If we're going to have our characters step out of their comfort zone and do something that has in the past scared them, our readers are far more likely to believe the scenario IF we show how in some way our characters have come to believe more in themselves and their capabilities.

So if we are facing a challenge of any kind, one of the best things we can do is make a list of our strengths and past successes. This list is a reminder that we have succeeded in the past and can succeed again. When we focus on the best we can be, we are far more likely to find the incentive and courage and resilience to become even better.

We can make a list of resources available to us—which for so many includes faith in something greater than ourselves.

We can make a list of things that make us smile and make a point of using that list to create reasons to smile every day no matter what is happening to or around us. Most of us weren't raised to think this way but truly it helps to build resilience and better health and encourages our ability to find creative solutions to our challenges.

How do you face challenges and/or what might your characters do to face theirs?

Sunday, February 22, 2009

UPDATE: I'm definitely offering Book in a Week starting March 2 and ending April 3. Please let me know ASAP if you want to sign up.

Also a quick note on why Perfect Pitch: I often coach writers (in an impromptu as well as formal way) on how to pitch their projects to editors and agents. These pitches tend to be quite successful. I know that pitching can be stressful and this class is designed to take away some of that stress and up the odds that a writer will get a request for their manuscript from their dream editor or agent.

Why the character workshop: If a writer is having problems with dialogue, plot, a sagging middle, etc., the answer is almost always that the characters are not driving the story. Compelling characters who behave true to who they are supposed to be can make a story so successful that readers are willing to overlook other flaws the story might have.

Format for all classes: All lessons and discussion are handled via email loop set up for that purpose.

Class 1: Perfect Pitch (for writers) $25Dates: March 9, 2009 to March 13, 2009Deadline to sign up: March 6, 2009Class Description: Do you have an editor and/or agent appointment lined up?What are the key elements that will catch the attention of an agent or publisher? How can you best present yourself in the 10 or 15 minutes you may have to pitch your proposal? This class will cover those issues and more as well as a brief critique (if you choose) of YOUR pitch.Class size limited.

Class 2: Creating Characters Who Write Their Own Story $40Dates: March 23, 2009 to April 3, 2009Deadline to sign up: March 20, 2009Class Description: When your characters come alive, they can all but write the novel themselves. You know the moment—it's when they start to argue with you about what should happen next! But how do you create such characters? This class will take you through the steps of creating characters whose personalities and quirks will bring them alive and make them real both to your readers and to you.Class size limited.

Class 3: Book in a Week Dates:March 2, 2009 to April 3, 2009 (because of the short notice) $65 ($35 if you have taken it before)April 13, 2009 to May 15, 2009$75 ($40 if you have taken it before)Deadlines to sign up: March 2, 2009 for the March 2 workshop and April 10, 2009 for the April 13 workshopClass size limited.

Class Description: This class will take you through every step of the writing process—from beginning to brainstorm all the way through sending material out to be published. It's also designed to help you discover who YOU are as a writer. (More detailed description on my website.)

To sign up email me at aprilkihlstrom@yahoo.com with the title of the class you wish to take in the header and in the body of the email please put: your name and whether you prefer to pay by check or Paypal (and whether you want March or April if it's the Book in a Week class). Also, please let me know if you have taken the class before.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Thanks to everyone who privately emailed me suggestions about how to get out pet stains. The most unusual was to try shaving cream and hey, I was desperate enough to try pretty much everything. The shaving cream worked as well or better than any of the other products on one stain but didn't do much on another that I thought was the same kind of stain. I have no idea why.

I think at this point I'm going to be looking at steamcleaners to really get the stains out!

Meanwhile.....I hope everyone had a great Valentine's Day. I got to spend part of it at the Pflugerville library's Romance Reader event. It was nice for me to meet them and to be able to tell them about the Austin RWA chapter and the great writers we have right in the area!

Monday, February 09, 2009

It's my turn to request help. I adore my dog Sophy. And she's settling in nicely—now. But we've gone through a few challenges and she still loves MUD. So...this time I'm asking for your help. What are your best tips for dealing with pet stains?

Saturday, January 31, 2009

It's beautiful out today. Mild and sunny and the sort of day that drew me to Texas in the first place. I love that it's so beautiful out and I find myself noticing how much happier I feel than when the weather is overcast or cold and gloomy for extended periods of time. Which, of course, makes me think

It makes me think about how, in bad weather, if we can step back and cut other people—and ourselves—some slack, our lives are likely to be smoother and happier.

If we're writers, it reminds me that climate and geography help to shape cultures and individuals. It's one more tool we can use in our writing if we are consciously aware of the impact that weather has—on our characters and on our readers. Just by choosing the right weather, we can evoke the emotions we want to add impact to the ones we put on the page.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

I'm just back from New Jersey where I helped my son move his things into his room at the group home where he now lives. (He has Down syndrome.)

And now we have a new president.

I find myself thinking that for my son, who doesn't really understand about new presidents, his emotions must still be similar to so many of us in this country. He is worried about the changes in his life and what they will ultimately mean. He is not happy about having to give up what is familiar and to have to follow rules at the group home. In the end, I know his life will be better for this change but for now it's a difficult time for him.

For me and for others in the United States there is also a sense of uncertainty—about changes and what we may have to give up or do that will perhaps be difficult. At the same time, we are able to see possibilities. We can understand what Barack Obama meant when he said—and I'm paraphrasing here—that we must not and need not give up our souls or our honor in order to create the lives we want to live. We are fortunate. We have the ability to imagine how things might be in a way that my son cannot.

One thing my son does do well is see into people's hearts regardless of their outward appearance. He does not care the color of someone's skin or what their religious or political beliefs might be. He looks at the person and judges them by how they behave. Would that we all had that gift.

I was born at a time when Barack Obama's election would have been unthinkable. I am proud that we now live in a time when it can. I am proud of the dignity with which George W. Bush left office and Barack Obama stepped into office. I am proud that our country seems to be united—at least today—in a way that it has not been for far too long.

I wish my son could comprehend the significance of the inauguration. I hope he can begin to focus more on what is good about his new home and the possibilities for growth and happiness that exist in this new setting. I hope that we all are able to focus on the possibilities ahead for ourselves and for our country. And if we are writers, I hope that we are finding ways to put that hope into words because history will want to know how it was, how people felt and what they believed and hoped when these changes took place.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

This is the time of year I suspect many of us really like to curl up with a good book. It's usually cold outside and the days just seem to be meant for reading. At my Austin RWA chapter meeting last night some of us were talking about whether we read what we like to write or like to read stuff we don't write. Two generally read what they also like to write and two of us read broadly—including lots of stuff we either know we couldn't or wouldn't want to write.

My personal bias is to read widely—including books we think we probably wouldn't like if it's out of our usual reading range particularly if the books are of a different genre and/or are written by people with very different backgrounds from our own.

If we're writers, we may learn new tools to use in our own work and be startled by ideas or ways of doing things that hadn't occurred to us before. If we're not writers, we may still find new ideas, new ways of looking at the world that wouldn't have occurred to us otherwise. Either way, we win. Even if we end up hating the book, we have new information about what works for us and what doesn't.

So....what are you reading? What has surprised you in good ways?

Some of the kinds of things that surprised me recently and that worked: an assassin as a hero (I would have sworn I couldn't/wouldn't like such a book!), a lawyer with strong faith in God, a book about the Dalai Lama and his philosophy toward happiness, a story about an astral traveling nanny (by an unpublished writer and whose central character stayed with me for a long time after I read the story), and quite a few other books including several on how to train a dog. My life is richer because I've read these books and stories. And that's what books and stories do—they enrich our lives.

Tuesday, January 06, 2009

My Book in a Week class has been rescheduled to start January 26 and end February 27. The deadline to sign up is January 23. Cost? $60 for new students and $35 for students who have taken the Book in a Week class before. Contact me at aprilkihlstrom@yahoo.com if you're interested. Everything is handled by email so you can read the lessons at 3 in the morning in your pajamas if you want! As always, the first three weeks will focus on brainstorming in a way that lets us take advantage of our non-linear creativity. The fourth week will be intensive writing week where you get to discover how and when and where and what you write best. The fifth week will be a wrap up with some information on evaluating the experience, revising the manuscript and sending it out to publishers. I often have complete newcomers as well as published authors in the class. Come join us and get a good head start for the year!

Meanwhile...I find myself savoring the new year. It helps that we tend to have sunny days and moderate temperatures here in Texas. (I still find it extraordinary that three of my four grandparents came from Finland and that I might have Laplander ancestry on my father's side. I am NOT a snow and cold kind of person!)

I'm enjoying taking the time to think about what I want in my life in this coming year. What do I want to write? Who do I want in my life on a more regular basis perhaps? Where would I like to travel? What workshops might I want to present and online classes teach?

There's a sense of joy in realizing I can choose how I want my life to play out—no matter what the external situation might be. There's power in knowing I can choose how I will respond to challenges. And there's a sense of peace in knowing I can make a difference with the classes I teach.

Sophy is settling in nicely—though she wasn't very happy with all the firecrackers going off here on New Year's Eve.

I hope that for all of you, the new year is starting well and that you are looking forward to the possibilities ahead. We writers have great imaginations! Of course, we seem to more often envision what could go wrong than what could go right but....once we do begin to imagine what could go right, wow! Here's hoping you're seeing at least a few wonderful possibilities for your life, too.

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About Me

Half way through my career, I discovered the power of Book in a Week. I'm often called the acknowledged mistress of Book in a Week both because I use it and teach it as often as I can. I have over 30 published romance novels and I love coaching and teaching writing as well.

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